Palestinian martyred journalist among seven honored as ‘Press Freedom Heroes’

At the International Press Institute’s (IPI) annual congress held in Vienna, Austria, seven journalists — including a martyred Palestinian reporter — were honored with the World Press Freedom Heroes award.

The 2025 World Press Freedom Heroes awards recognized seven journalists from across the globe for their courage and dedication to press freedom.

Among the honorees was Palestinian journalist Maryam Abu Daqa, who was martyred earlier this year.

Hungary’s independent media outlet received the Free Media Pioneer award, while the Press Freedom Heroes included Maryam Abu Daqa (Palestine), Victoria Roshchyna (Ukraine), Jimmy Lai (Hong Kong), Martin Baron (USA), Gustavo Gorriti (Peru), Mzia Amaghlobeli (Georgia), and Tsehaylem Waldes (Ethiopia).

Two journalists — Maryam Abu Daqa and Victoria Roshchyna — were honored posthumously for sacrificing their lives in the line of duty.

Abu Daqa was killed by Israeli forces on August 25, 2025, while reporting from Gaza.

Participants at the congress paid tribute to journalists around the world who have risked — and in many cases lost — their lives in the pursuit of truth and press freedom.